Day 3 - Tuesday 16 April 2024
Holne to Chagford (18.5 miles)
Angie dropped me off at the previous days finishing point in Holne where we met up with friends Mark, Cheryl and their lovely Cocker Spaniel Brecon. Mark & Brecon would be joining Fudge and I on today's leg. Angie & Cheryl would meet us later in Chagford for a post walk Beer & Dinner.
The church to the rear is the 14th Century St Mary the Virgin. The novelist Charles Kingsley, author of The Water Babies & Westward Ho! was born in the vicarage in 1819.
The church to the rear is the 14th Century St Mary the Virgin. The novelist Charles Kingsley, author of The Water Babies & Westward Ho! was born in the vicarage in 1819.
Oh I forgot to mention that Fudge's Duck would of course be accompanying us too
The Church House Inn, Holne - the building was originally built as the priest's house and bears the date 1329
From the village the route ascends to Butts Cross
Whilst it is called New Bridge, it was actually built in the 15th Century. Brecon is as keen as Fudge to commence some top level arsing about in the River Dart.
New Bridge over the rushing waters of the River Dart
In they go to a safer part of the river
Heading along Dr Blackall's Drive near Aish Tor
This scenic driveway was built by Dr Joseph Blackall in the 1870's. He owned nearby Spitchwick Manor and laid out the drive for the benefit of his wife when she could no longer walk on the moor.
This scenic driveway was built by Dr Joseph Blackall in the 1870's. He owned nearby Spitchwick Manor and laid out the drive for the benefit of his wife when she could no longer walk on the moor.
Locksgate Cross - we would be heading towards Ponsworthy
The start of the steep descent into the village of Ponsworthy
The renovated cottages in Ponsworthy which used to house the village Smithy. This part of the village is known as Splash and the cottage to the right is called Splash Cottage and is a holiday let.
Ponsworthy Bridge at Forder Bridge Cross. Local legend has it that sparks flew when the Devil rode his horse full tilt across the narrow bridge in 1638 en route from the inn at Poundsgate to Widecombe in order to settle a bet with one Jan Reynolds. The background to this interesting piece of local history can be viewed at this link - https://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/2016/03/25/jan_reynolds/
Heading through delightful woodland alongside the West Webburn River
Crossing the footbridge over the West Webburn River at Jordan Mill
Drywell Cross at Jordan
The purpose of the cross was to guide people to the church of Widecombe, however it has suffered from damage over the years. In 1930 the cross was built into the wall, however by 1950 it lay in a ditch amongst some stones. An octagonal base was found in Totnes in 1967, and used by the Dartmoor Preservation Society to repair this cross, placing it back into its original location. It is thought that the slot in the middle of the cross would more than likely have housed a crucifix.
The purpose of the cross was to guide people to the church of Widecombe, however it has suffered from damage over the years. In 1930 the cross was built into the wall, however by 1950 it lay in a ditch amongst some stones. An octagonal base was found in Totnes in 1967, and used by the Dartmoor Preservation Society to repair this cross, placing it back into its original location. It is thought that the slot in the middle of the cross would more than likely have housed a crucifix.
As short diversion to the left enables a visit to the medieval settlement of Hutholes
Hutholes - the site dates before 1350 and was possibly abandoned due to the Black Death. The site remnants indicate a couple of longhouses plus other agricultural structures. Some of the stones from the buildings were taken to build nearby Jordan Manor.
We took our lunch at Hutholes where Fudge stares into the distance waiting for the command "Din dins"
What do you two want? You've eaten it already therefore time to go!
Dunstone Down
Hameldown Beacon Boundary Stone
This cut granite stone was erected in the mid 19th century by the Duke of Somerset (then Lord of Natsworthy Manor to the east) to mark his manor. The name "Hamilton Beacon" is carved into the stone however this is a spelling mistake as was common in 1854. On the reverse of the stone is carved DS 1854.
This cut granite stone was erected in the mid 19th century by the Duke of Somerset (then Lord of Natsworthy Manor to the east) to mark his manor. The name "Hamilton Beacon" is carved into the stone however this is a spelling mistake as was common in 1854. On the reverse of the stone is carved DS 1854.
Further along the ridge is the summit of Hameldown Tor
Just below Hameldown Tor is the Bronze Age Settlement of Grimspound with Hookney Tor beyond. The settlement dates from 1300BC.
The 24 hut circles are surrounded by a massive granite perimeter wall, which may have stood at 1.7 metres in places. The roundhouses, with an average diameter of 3.4 metres, were each built of a double ring of granite slabs with a rubble infill, a technique still used in dry-stone walling. Hut 3 has a surviving porchway, with the two jamb stones still upright, although the lintel has fallen. There is evidence of human activity: artefacts include pottery, scrapers and pot boilers. Organic remains such as wood and textiles have not survived owing to the acid nature of the soil.
The 24 hut circles are surrounded by a massive granite perimeter wall, which may have stood at 1.7 metres in places. The roundhouses, with an average diameter of 3.4 metres, were each built of a double ring of granite slabs with a rubble infill, a technique still used in dry-stone walling. Hut 3 has a surviving porchway, with the two jamb stones still upright, although the lintel has fallen. There is evidence of human activity: artefacts include pottery, scrapers and pot boilers. Organic remains such as wood and textiles have not survived owing to the acid nature of the soil.
Looking north through the entrance of Grimspound towards Hookney Tor
One of the Hut Circles in Grimspound - the structures were also known as roundhouses
Up on Hookney Tor with the obligatory Dartmoor Pony
From Hookney Tor the route turns to the west to reach Bennett's Cross. The cross dates from the 13th Century and was named after a 16th Century Miner. It has the initials "WB" carved into it which is thought to stand for the boundary marker of Warren Bounds.
Passing the farm buildings of Yardworthy. The farm is one of the oldest in the area, having been built in the 1700s.
Teigncombe and a poignant message for inconsiderate drivers
Looking to the South Teign River from Leigh Bridge
Holystreet Manor
With Mark & Brecon as we meet Angie & Cheryl in Chagford - it's Beer & Scran O'clock I think
The octagonal Market House in the centre of Chagford which was built in 1862. Smelted tin was brought here twice a year to be assayed, taxed, stamped, and sold. The building is known locally as the "Pepperpot"
Chagford is one of only 4 "Stannary" towns in Devon, the others being Plymouth, Ashburton & Tavistock. A "Stannary Town" was defined as a place where tin was brought to be weighed, graded, and traded. This took place in the Market House. The name Chagford is made up of "Chag" meaning gorse and would therefore be interpreted as the ford where gorse grows.
Chagford is one of only 4 "Stannary" towns in Devon, the others being Plymouth, Ashburton & Tavistock. A "Stannary Town" was defined as a place where tin was brought to be weighed, graded, and traded. This took place in the Market House. The name Chagford is made up of "Chag" meaning gorse and would therefore be interpreted as the ford where gorse grows.
The 15th Century church of St Michael the Archangel in Chagford
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Day 3 Data
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Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Total Ascent |
18.5 miles
47.4 miles 7hrs 40mins 3284ft (1001m) |